Yeah, right to light. So basically you can’t build high level property which will put neighbouring property in the shade. Simply put.
So in the middle of 2 storey streets you’re not gonna get permission to build a high rise.
Nor would anyone really want to live there in that area.
That’s not strictly correct..
“Right to light is a form of easement in English law that gives a long-standing owner of a building with windows a right to maintain the level of illumination. It is based on the Ancient Lights law. The rights are most usually acquired under the Prescription Act 1832.” Wiki.
Rights of Light means that if you’ve had a particular window in place for 20 years or more, any new building can’t affect the amount of light coming in by more than a fixed amount. Rights to Light can be compensated by agreement.
For residential properties there are set daylight/sunlight factors that have to be achieved in living rooms.
“A dwelling can be said to receive adequate sunlight if its principal room receives 25% probable sunlight hours, including at least 5% during the winter months (21 September to 21 March).”
Daylight/sunlight are part of planning and building control.
In reality, both can be negotiated and it would be planning guidance about scale and the general feeling about high rise after Grenfell that would be an issue.